Oliver Has A Job But Can't Get Work

PITTSBURGH — When Darren Oliver made his major league debut with the Texas Rangers on Sept. 1, 1993, he walked the only batter he faced. He did not pitch again until Oct. 2.

His current stretch of inactivity isn't quite as pronounced, but it's the longest for Oliver since that initial first month in the majors.

Oliver last appeared in a game on June 30 when an extended rain delay in Atlanta forced A.J. Burnett out after one inning. In need of a starter Tuesday against the Mets, the Marlins have yet to settle on Oliver or anyone else.

If the Marlins don't have confidence to give him a spot start, Oliver is unsure under what circumstances he might pitch again.

"It's tough because you want to go out there and play," Oliver said. "You don't want to sit around. It's boring, man. ... I was in the pen [in 1993], but it was a little different. We were kind of in the race and I knew I wasn't going to pitch. I threw the last day of the season or second-to-last day, and I was so sore."

With the Marlins down 5-0 Friday, Oliver warmed up and appeared primed to replace Burnett in the sixth. The Marlins scored a run in the top of the inning and inserted Josias Manzanillo instead.

Even if he starts Tuesday, don't look for Oliver to go deep into the game. He threw 69 pitches June 30 against the Braves and averaged 24.4 over the previous nine outings as a reliever between May 30 and June 28, never exceeding 35.

"I've been throwing on the side and stuff," Oliver said. "That's all I can do. You try not to worry about what's going to happen when you get out there as far as control. You just have to be prepared the best way you can.

"If you go out there and walk a bunch of guys, you can sit there and for an excuse say, `Well, I haven't thrown in a while.' I've never been that kind of pitcher anyway. I'm usually around the plate."

MARKET VALUE

Pirates General Manager Dave Littlefield can thank his former organization for helping drive up Kris Benson's trade value Friday. A former Marlins assistant general manager, Littlefield will likely trade Benson before the July 31 non-waiver deadline.

He won't have any shortage of suitors, especially after Benson held the Marlins to two runs through 81/3 innings for the win.

Asked whether he thought Benson could make a difference on a contender, manager Jack McKeon said: "The way he pitched last night, absolutely. He'll keep you in the game. He makes quality pitches. I've seen him throw harder before, but now he's got better command. When he tries to throw hard you see it's always out of the zone. He threw a few last night where he tried to muscle up and they were all balls. He'll help somebody."

A free agent at season's end, Benson is making $6.1 million this year. Whoever acquires him would be responsible for about $1.8 million of his remaining salary. Any deal would likely have to start with a close to major league-ready power-hitting corner infielder or outfielder.

While the Marlins have not ruled out trying to acquire another starter, they may not be prepared to take on that much money.

"We probably don't have $2 million to give [Benson]," McKeon said. "That's the price, but then you have to give them some players. That's the key.

"I would think four teams in our division think they're in it, and they're all trying to do something. The Phillies want a pitcher. The Mets want a pitcher. Atlanta, you never know. They'll sneak in with somebody that's unexpected."